15th December

It was with great sadness that we learnt today of the death earlier this week of Max Seaford. Following National Service in the Royal Navy, Max embarked on a successful career in local banking that saw him move to within easy reach of Portland; he became a stalwart supporter of the Obs, including acting as honorary auditor and, after retirement, as a long-serving committee member. Max was a great character who didn't take himself, birding or life in general too seriously; he - and his seemingly endless supply of usually irreverent reminiscences, anecdotes and jokes - will be missed by all. We extend our sincere condolences to Max's family.

On a very dreary but again mild day the Hume's Warbler continued to entertain in the Avalanche Road area. A strong overnight passage of southbound Redwings resulted in fair numbers being grounded for a while after dawn, when 55 were at the Bill, at least 60 at Avalanche Road and 94 at the Craft Centre. Four Red-throated Divers passed through off the Bill, a Black Redstart was still at Blacknor and 8 Goosander remained in Portland Harbour.

Despite seemingly favourable conditions immigrant moth interest remained pretty minimal, consisting of just a Silver Y at the Obs and 2 Rusty-dot Pearl at the Grove.

The Hume's Warbler ranged a little more widely today but although often vocal it rarely afforded prolonged views in the dreary conditions:

Finally, thanks to Mike Trew for sending us through some more photos from yesterday morning at Ferrybridge/Portland Harbour: